About Crawfish Traps
Crawfish are known by many nicknames, including mudbugs, yabbies, crayfish, mudpuppies and crawdads. This type of crustacean is found in warm freshwater lakes and rivers throughout the world, and they resemble lobsters, shrimp and crabs in taste and appearance. Many people catch crawfish using special traps.
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Identification
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Although some people make their own crawfish traps, you can also buy one from an outdoor sports and equipment store. You can find several online stores where fishermen design and create their own crawfish traps for sale.
Crawfish traps are often made of vinyl-covered steel and mesh. Some designs use galvanized wire, mesh and plastic. Many mesh crawfish traps are lightweight and collapsible for easy storage. However, steel traps are designed for heavy duty use, especially for hauling in a large catch.
Styles
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You can buy simple "dipper" or open style traps, but these models don't hold as many crawfish. These traps are simple hoops with nets, and you simple "dip" in the water to catch a crawfish.
Most crawfish traps are closed style traps, with either a funnel opening or trap door. They come in two models: round/tornado-shaped or square/rectangular. Generally, you use the round traps for moving water, like streams or rivers and use the square ones for still water like lakes or ponds. However, since the bottom of a lake maybe rocky, a round crawfish trap might be better since it can be more easily set. Many larger traps include a hinged trap door that you can easily open or close. -
Location
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When setting out your crawfish traps, search for an area that crawfish are likely to populate. Usually, it is easier to catch crawfish in lakes or ponds, especially when the temperature is above 65 degrees F. Crawfish are more active at night, so you should plan accordingly. Since these crustaceans need protection from predators, look for shoreline areas with rocks or grass that provide cover. Some fishermen also go by boat to set the traps in the center of the lake.
Bait
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The preferred bait for crawfish is fresh oily fish, including the skin, innards, heads or other parts. Many fisherman also trap crawfish with chicken parts and even commercially made crawfish bait. However, fresh bait is considered superior since the scent will draw in more crawfish.
Set Up
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Depending on the size of the trap, you must decide if you will leave the trap out for 3 to 4 hours or overnight. If you want to harvest several pounds, then it maybe better to wait longer. If you wait overnight, make sure you have enough bait to lure in the crawfish.
You may need to weigh the trap down with small rocks, and use extra wire and a hook to secure the traps. You then place the bait inside the bait box within the trap to lure the crawfish in. When the crawfish enter to feed, the escape stoppers prevent them from leaving.
Other Considerations
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Always check your state's fish and game board for any regulations about catching crawfish. Some states require a fishing license or other licenses or stamps to legally catch crawfish.
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